…over Wong’s hefty pay-out: Mua
By ANDREW FANASIA
THE Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) did not know about the source of the SBD$1.5 million that was dished out on a silver plate to the Lavukal House of Chiefs and land owners by Patrick Wong.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Savo-Russell constituency and Chairman for the Cabinet Sub Committee for Russell Island Plantation Estate Limited (RIPEL), Dickson Mua told this paper on Monday.
“Not only that the government was not aware but the Lavukal House of Chiefs Chairman Oliver Salopuka and the Lavukal Trust Board had breached the ’99 Rocks Strategy I and II signed in 2017 and this year,” Mr Mua said.
The ’99 Rock Strategy I and II’ was a document signed by all RIPEL Stakeholders not to deal with Wong and his cohorts.
“Therefore, the Chairman and the house of chief have breached the deal by signing it and do the opposite,” Mr Mua said.
Mr Mua also added that as the Chairman of the RIPEL Task-force, they do not know the reason for the cash handout or where the source comes from.
“Currently we are not in the position to give a concrete saying on this dubious cash hand out with the four tonnes of rice,” Mr Mua admitted yesterday.
He also revealed that Mr Wong and the Mr Salopuka also gave out solar sets to the Lavukal people.
The Solomon Star understands that Mr Salopuka will be running against the MP for Savo-Russell constituency in the coming National General Election.
When asked if this latest event has any connection to his political game, Mr Mua did not rule out the scenario.
Mr Mua said it seems that what has happened now can have some meaning to Mr Salopuka’s campaign strategy.
“…. but leave that aside, the plight of RIPEL is the government’s main focus for now,” the reigning Savo-Russell MP told the Solomon Star.
Meanwhile, Mr Mua said his Committee will be meeting very soon to address this matter and other matters related to the RIPEL issue.